Ed’s life began on Oct. 16, 1924, in New Troy, the son of Adolf and Matilda (Stolpe) Zache.

He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

Ed was privileged to visit the World War II Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. and he was a proud member of Stevensville American Legion Post 568.

After the service, Ed worked construction at Notre Dame, helping to construct the campus, and he was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in St. Joseph, where he also helped build the addition to the church.

Ed was united in marriage to the former Caroline Zeilke on Jan. 17, 1948, at the Baroda Evangelical Church.

He was a founding partner of Pemco in Bridgman, and worked as plant manager at Sealed Power (SPX Contech) in Dowagiac.

Ed is survived by his loving family which includes: his daughter, Vickie (Tim) Pitcher; grandson, Keith Pitcher; granddaughter, Michelle (Marty) Willis; great-grandchildren, Megan and Michael Willis, all of Sister Lakes; and brothers, Arthur (Beverly) Zache of Niles and Henry (Lydia) Zache of Benton Harbor; and several nieces and nephews.

Ed passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2011, at Tendercare of Kalamazoo.

He is preceded in death by: his wife Caroline in 2005; sisters, Tillie Busick, Alvina Wiech and Helen Petznick; and brothers, Raymond, Gus and August Zache.

His family gathered with friends on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Julie Greyerbiehl of Keeler United Methodist Church.

He will be laid to rest in Keeler Cemetery following the service.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Ed at www.yazel-clark.com.